The concept and practice is not new. For many years hospitals, universities, and other professional fields have undergone accreditation to prove compliance with a set of professional standards.

Law Enforcement Accreditation, a voluntary statewide program mandating compliance with 140 contemporary policing standards, is a means for self-evaluation and improvement. The Mount Vernon Police Department achieved accredited status in 1994, passed reaccreditations in 1999, 2004, and 2011, and is scheduled for its next on-site assessment in April 2015.

During the last assessment, the department received very high remarks and comments from the panel of assessors during their day of inspections. With the new standards developed in 2007, the Mount Vernon Police Department is the 49th agency in the state to receive this status.

Enhances community's understanding of law enforcement, its goals, and objectives.

Assures the department's policies are effective, responsive, fair, and equitable and that the department is providing services of the highest quality.

Commits the department to a broad range of effective police service programs.

Ensures managerial and operational policies and procedures are in accord with statewide policing standards, and that the department continues to make a concerted effort to maintain that professional status.

The accreditation manager is Administrative Services Lieutenant Jerry Dodd, who is a member of the WASPC Accreditation Committee, and serves as a mentor for agencies working towards their accreditation.